Every vehicle, whether it’s a new car or a used car, is dependent on a cooling system to keep it from overheating. Briefly, your cooling system is a circular system that takes antifreeze and moves it through the engine block and heads.
As the antifreeze, or coolant, moves through the passages, it picks up heat from the engine and then it flows back to the radiator, which cools it.
Even with the best car care, problems can arise with your coolant system. While you hope it does not happen, it’s best to know the five signs of coolant system problems.
Recognizing these symptoms can get you out in front of the problem, saving you money in expensive repairs.
Engine Overheats
This can occur when any of the part of the cooling system fails to do its job. When the engine runs hotter, a red water temperature warning light will come on. Never ignore this prompt!
Pull your vehicle over to the side of the road immediately and call for a tow. If you ignore the warning sign, you could damage your engine.
Noticing Coolant Under the Front of Your Vehicle
Coolant leaks tend to be pastel blue, yellow-green, or a fluorescent orange. It all depends on the type of antifreeze you use in your car. If your vehicle is leaking coolant, schedule an appointment to get your cooling system checked right away.
Smelling Antifreeze
If you smell antifreeze while driving or when the engine is still hot after driving, most likely, there is a leak. The leak could come from the radiator, a hose, water pump, or thermostat housing. If this happens, get the vehicle to a qualified mechanic right away.
Continually Adding Coolant Regularly to the Radiator
If you find you must add coolant regularly to the radiator, there’s a leak! Radiator leaks can cause rapid overheating. Thus, affecting the radiator’s ability to cool the engine.
If a rock or some other debris puts a big hole in the radiator, you’ll probably need to replace it.
Thermostat Failure
Your thermostat regulates the temperature of your engine and controls the amount of coolant allowed to flow into the radiator.
When your engine is hot, the thermostat opens wide to allow for maximum cooling. Conversely, when the engine is cold, the thermostat stays closed. This allows the engine to warm up to an optimal temperature faster.
The proper functioning of your thermostat cannot be overstated! If it malfunctions, the health of your engine is at grave risk.
Pull over and have your car towed to your mechanic.
These five warning signs should always be taken seriously. Never ignored.
Here at our Harrisonburg, VA car dealership, Joe Bowman Auto Plaza’s service department can assist you with any other mechanical problem you may have, including coolant system problems.
In business for 60+ years, we only hire Chevy-certified technicians. Highly skilled, these technicians can quickly identify the problem and get your car safely on the road again.
Learn more about us here. Or stop by our Harrisonburg, VA car dealership and meet our friendly team!
